Migsg Highlights Manchester Islamic

MIGSG HIGHLIGHTS MANCHESTER ISLAMIC

GRAMMAR SCHOOL FOR GIRLS

DECEMBER 2020 — Autumn Term - Issue 59 CHARITY WEEK 2020

Charity Week is a big event at MIGSG every year. Although we were limited this year with covid restrictions and lack of activities, with your help and support we were able to raise a phenomenal £27,741 for projects in various countries for orphans. Even the charity were highly impressed with the students and the immense dedication and zeal they displayed, beating other institutions across the country, especially universities. We were the number one school, raising the most during this charity week. Students worked really hard during charity week, whether they raised £1 or £1000 or none at all. They truly embedded the examples of Abu Bakr (RA) and Umar (RA) competing with each other to give charity. Some organised a trek for 20 miles, some cooked meals for the homeless and some read surah baqarah every day or as much quran as possible. We held a celebration for all after the total was in; there were prizes for the student that raised the most; the class that raised the most had a party and the whole school received sweets and certificates.

InsideFirst Day at this School issue ...... 4 Friendship Month ...... 8 World Kindness Day ...... 9 Winter Campaign ...... 14 ...... Quran Time 21 Anti-Bullying ...... 22 Safeguarding ...... 26

We know that charity alleviates any hardships and for this reason too we encourage students to participate in charitable activities. Points Charity of Week interest We pray that it is highly rewarding and a means of alleviating any hardships for  Anti-Bullying you and your family. May Allah(swt) accept it from us all.  Duke of Edinburgh Award Well done to all the parents and students for working hard to help others. May it  End of Term Awards be accepted from all.  Much much more…….. … read more on page 10...

Manchester Islamic Grammar School for Girls facebook.com/mihsfg 55 High Lane · Manchester · Chorlton · M21 9FA · [email protected] · 0161 881 2127 www.migsg.miet.uk 2 HEAD TEACHER’S ADDRESS AUTUMN 2020

Dear Parents/Guardians & Friends of MIGSG We share a common aim to help

your daughter to achieve her very Assalamu’Alaikum best spiritually, academically and

socially, so please maintain contact Welcome to our first issue of this academic year 20-21. with her Form Tutor and Head of I hope everyone is well and in the best of health and Year in particular, so that relevant Imaan, Ameen. support can be provided. Thank

What a year 2020 has been for everyone. In January you to parents and teachers for 2020, we were preparing for the many activities/trips supporting the girls’ learning when they had to self-isolate. that we had planned to take place but unfortunately life changed for everyone when we were struck with this Congratulations to former Year 11 students who pandemic and as we all went into lockdown, these had attained their GCSEs in various subjects under these to be cancelled. difficult circumstances. They did exceptionally well and

This has been and still is a very testing time for us all the results reflect their hard work and determination. and I pray we get through this difficult time by ensuring Well done and best wishes for a successful future. I am that we take care of our own wellbeing and that of very sorry that we were unable to hold our face to-face everyone around us. annual presentation evening.

The new school year officially started in September and Thank you to all parents for their support and it has been truly wonderful to see all the students and understanding, to teachers for their hard work to staff back. Attendance has been great and shows just provide effective learning, remotely as well face-to-face how ready all families were to return to school. School and our non-teaching staff for their continued support life is more than education and learning; we bring social through their various roles. It has been a challenge for interactions, stability and routine. Our aim is to everyone on a daily basis, but with effective team work, continue to support our school community in keeping we managed and are still pulling through. COVID safe, therefore, keeping the school open. Thank As usual we have been very busy with many virtual and you for your part in adapting to the new routines and face-to-face activities and events taking place; I hope systems. There has been a great deal of change over the you all enjoy reading about them in this newsletter. A term, which we have all had to react to at short notice. special thank you for your contributions and generosity I will continue to keep you updated throughout the in supporting the school in raising £27,740.90 for spring term on government guidance and the impact Charity Week, a superb amount, may Allah SWT this may have on us as a school or you as a community. reward you all and as always I would like to give a huge Thank you for your support, understanding and thank you to Miss Kossar in taking the lead and cooperation arranging the activities for Charity Week.

This newsletter is a prime opportunity for us to be able Insha’Allah I hope and pray that this academic year is to share with parents and friends the different activities filled with success and our students continue to excel in and successes that have taken place during the their work. lockdown last summer and this autumn term. My thoughts and prayers are with all families that have A particularly warm welcome to the new families that suffered or are suffering because of this pandemic; may have joined MIGSG this term. I hope that your Allah (SWT) make it easy for everyone Insha’Allah, daughters have settled into school life and are Ameen. thoroughly enjoying this new experience. I would like to re-affirm that the school is always here to support WasSalaam your daughter and we welcome and seek parental Mona Mohamed support throughout the time your daughter is with us. Head Teacher

ManchesterManchester IslamicIslamic High GrammarGrammar School SchoolSchool for Girls forfor Girls Girls facebook.com/mihsfgfacebook.com/mihsfg 55 55High55 HighHigh Lane LaneLane · Manchester ·· ManchesterManchester · Chorlton ·· ChorltonChorlton · M21 ·· M21M21 9FA 9FA9FA · [email protected] ·· [email protected]@migsg.miet.uk · 0161 ·· 01610161 881 881881 2127 21272127 www.migsg.miet.ukwww.migsg.miet.ukwww.mihsg.org.uk 3

STAFF NEWS

We are very sorry to have to say a fond farewell to Mrs Farakh from the ICT department & Mrs Malik from the Humanities department, we thank them wholeheartedly for their commitment and dedication to the school, and wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

A warm welcome to Mrs L O’Neill who has joined the Humanities department & Mr I Mohmed who has joined the ICT Department.

BACK TO SCHOOL

The school was buzzing with smiles on the first day of school after 6 months of lock down, with students and teachers happy to be back, especially since majority of the school had arrived by 8.15am. Both staff and students arrived with the Adhan playing across the school, and students were greeted with welcome back banners.

The students even brought the class plant back on their first day back. The students had two days of activities and sessions talking about lock down and getting to know one another again and getting used to the new social distancing measures.

ManchesterManchester Islamic Islamic Grammar HighGrammar School School School for Girlsfor for Girls Girls facebook.com/mihsfgfacebook.com/mihsfg www.migsg.miet.uk 5555 55High High High Lane Lane Lane · Manchester · ·Manchester Manchester · Chorlton · ·Chorlton Chorlton · M21 · ·M21 M21 9FA 9FA 9FA · [email protected] · ·[email protected] [email protected] · 0161· ·0161 0161 881 881 881 2127 2127 2127 www.migsg.miet.ukwww.migsg.miet.ukwww.mihsg.org.uk 4

Asalamualykum, FIRST DAY AT SCHOOL

Welcome to Manchester Islamic Grammar School for We welcomed our Year 7 intake to school; Girls. You are about to embark on a journey of a life they received a card to wish them well on time; we pray that these five years at this school are their first day and journey at MIGSG, and enchanted with blessings, learning and good times, filled with memories. All the teachers are here to then had a day full of meeting everyone at support and guide you through this special journey. school and transitioning to high school We are always here for you if you need anything. during this pandemic. They had two days of We hope you have had an enjoyable first day at induction activities to become acquainted MIGSG and are looking forward to making new with the school, students and staff. We wish friends for life, and taking on new challenges. Don’t them all the best for their future at MIGSG. worry if things seem strange at first – all the staff and older pupils will help you settle in, and we look forward to sharing many happy and successful times with you over the coming years, Insha'Allah.

Lots of Duas For everyone at Manchester Islamic Grammar School for Girls

POST LOCK DOWN INDUCTION PROGRAMME

Students in Years 7-11 completed a two day induction programme at the start of the academic year. It gave them an opportunity to reconnect with each other and the school, as well as reflecting together on time in lockdown. Students received updates on safeguarding and mental health, bereavement, coping with change, mindfulness and generally had time to chat and catch-up with each other They also spent time writing post cards to the elderly and planning virtual activities. We hope it was beneficial for the students, they gave positive feedback and we look forward to them connecting with their subject lessons today.

Manchester Islamic HighGrammar School School for Girls for Girls facebook.com/mihsfg 55 55High High Lane Lane · Manchester · Manchester · Chorlton · Chorlton · M21 · M21 9FA 9FA · [email protected] · [email protected] · 0161 · 0161 881 881 2127 2127 www.migsg.miet.ukwww.mihsg.org.uk 5

LOCK DOWN 2.0

When the second national lock down was announced, our students prepared a short video with ideas of things students can do in lock down, from face timing family to reading Quran to watching movies to learning how to cook and even just resting.

We are sure the lock downs have given everyone an opportunity to rest up, stay safe Insha'Allah and pick up some new hobbies

RETURNING TO SCHOOL UNDER COVID

It was a little strange for staff and students on our return to school in September. All our normal routines were thrown out of the window as the school had to follow the government guidelines.

KS3 and KS4 were separated into bubbles, beginning with arrival at school using separate entrances; they had to use different toilets, prayer spaces and parts of the playground.

Staff and students were required to wear masks when moving around the school. Instead of students moving around the school they stayed in their form rooms and staff moved from room to room, to reach them

Their forms rooms became a haven where they stayed unless they were going for specialist lessons like PE, Art or IT, or outside for break and lunch. To minimise the risk of contracting Covid, all rooms have to have at least one window open so fresh air can circulate, regardless of how cold it is, which has led to students wearing coats and warm scarves in lessons. In the form room students are asked to face the front of the room even when eating their lunch and save socialising for when they are outside in the playground.

I would like to say thank you to students and staff who have adapted to this unprecedented regime with cheerfulness and careful adherence to the rules. Thank you to parents for their unstinting co-operation.

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF SOLIDARITY WITH THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE

For International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people on 29th November, we gave students a class quiz to learn about cities in Palestine, in order to know the country and know the people and learn about its history. The quiz included questions such as which city has the best knafah, olive oil and in which city the prophet led all the prophets in prayer. Students were also encouraged to make Du’a for Palestinian refugees from 1948 in Palestine and around the world till today.

INTERNATIONAL DAUGHTERS DAY 28TH SEPTEMBER

Students reflected on what they are like as daughters and the nicest thing their parents have done for them. They then all planned something nice to do for their parents today. Some took their parents out for a meal and some cooked dinner or made them a cup of tea. In school they also made dua for their parents.

Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon Him) stated that: “If parents are kind and generous towards their daughters, then they will be so close to Him (The Holy Prophet Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon Him) in Jannah, like one finger is to the next.”

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE

A day celebrated on 21st of September, established by the United Nations in 1981 as a reminder of everyone’s permanent commitment to peace Students reflected on what peace means to them and being at peace at home, at school and in the world. They also looked at ways of bringing peace in the world by smiling more, talking to each other and respecting one another. Students looked at countries where there is no peace at the moment and reflected on students their age in those countries that don’t get the opportunity to go to school in peace and made a commitment to ensure they spread peace around in their own world.

INTERNATIONAL LITERACY DAY

One thing most of our students love doing at MIGSG is reading. We have utilised time during the staggered breaks to introduce more reading time and students have been loving reading a range of books and sharing their reviews of them with each other. Students have also received reading lists so they can choose what to read for Islamic books and mainstream books. Students had an assembly on literacy rates around the world and during covid lock down times too.

ASSEMBLY ON FRIENDSHIP

On Friday 18th September assembly was delivered by Mrs Malek Jr over the school PA system, while students were socially distanced in the classroom. The assembly was on the importance of good friendship in Islam.

The students were introduced to the concept of ‘soul friends’ and the friendship of the prophet Muhammed (saw) and Abu Bakr (RA) and the friendships between the sahabah.

We hope the students build strong fulfilling friendships at MIGSG for life. Students then watched a video on the importance of friendship during COVID, and not being able to hug but sharing different ways of showing friendship.

FRIENDSHIP MONTH

It was friendship month in September at MIGSG and different activities took place in lessons this week, looking at the importance of friendship. During this Covid social distancing period, students and friends have not been able to hug each other, and in the importance of friendship we asked them to identify how they can show kindness to friends by finishing this sentence off, I can’t hug you but I can.... I can’t hug you but I can.... (Student responses) -remember all the times I have hugged you -make Du’a for you -make you smile - pray together with you - buy you Irn Bru - hug you in Jannah - give you happiness - give you a virtual high 5 - call you - make jokes with you - talk to you

WORLD KINDNESS DAY

“Kindness is a gift everyone can afford to give”

For World Kindness Day on Friday 13th November, students reflected on what it means to be kind and what kindness means to them. Students identified that giving and receiving chocolate and sharing a smile and having a good friend were all part of kindness. How great would the world be if we all did our best to be that extra bit kinder.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

On 27th November Year 11 Ihsan delivered a whole school assembly on Black History Month, looking at key figures who have made a difference as well as key black figures in Islamic history. Students also highlighted the recent Black Lives Matter movement too. Thank you to form 11I, Mr Elbey and Mrs Malek Jr for an informative assembly.

VIRTUAL ART EXHIBITION BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Black History Month has been covered in different subjects this year. In Art in particular, Miss Hockwart showcased a virtual exhibition by the artist Latifat Obanigna. It’s a collection of paintings celebrating and praying tribute “to black women breaking barriers and creating history. Telling their stories of strength, resilience and growth through adversity and reclaiming their queendom in modern society” Each painting had an important caption that students discussed in the lesson: “Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself” “Don’t let your mind bully your body” “Stop shrinking yourself to fit in places you have outgrown” Students enjoyed the exhibition and discussing what the pictures represented.

CHARITY WEEK CONT’D ON FROM FRONT COVER

CHARITY WEEK - FORM 11A

Although we couldn’t arrange the fun activities we normally do at this time of year, Charity Week at MIGSG was a great success despite the covid restrictions. A special mention to form 11A, who didn’t want to leave their last Charity Week without an event, so they got together and organised their own 10km trek around Longford Park in the rain. We are proud of them taking the initiative. Well done also to all the other students who took the lead in organising their own sponsored activities.

NATIONAL POETRY DAY

National Poetry Day took place this year on 1st October 2020. Our students were given the topic ‘My Voice: My Vision’ and they could interpret this in their own way using poetry as the medium. The students got busy writing. We had many students join us at break time outside on National Poetry Day itself to listen to poetry around the chosen theme. In addition, we had two Year 8 students who read their compositions to the rest of the Key Stage 3 students. This takes some courage as it is well-known that reading our heartfelt thoughts to others can be quite a challenge! So, congratulations to Faiza Younis and Areeba Butool from Year 8 who carried their readings off with aplomb. Thank you to all the students who got involved with the National Poetry Day. Our voice is important and the students proved that they intend to use their voice to create a better vision for the world around them and, for that, the English Department and MIGSG are extremely proud of them! ROALD DAHL DAY

As part of International Literacy Day activities, from September 7th-11th students had an assembly in each form room on the literacy rates around the world, as well as the messages Roald Dahl left us for Roald Dahl Day. Students were then given an envelope with a quote and a chocolate coin. Some students received a golden ticket similar to Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory golden tickets and received a book prize.

“Somewhere inside all of us is the power to change the world” Roald Dahl

ANNUAL DELEGATES ASSEMBLY

As part of Greater Manchester Citizens members we gathered together on the evening of 25th November for annual Delegates Assembly. Students were able to share what work we have been doing during the pandemic and what work other organisations had done. Organisations came together to catch up with each other, strengthen relationships and hear updates from our Action Teams on our chosen priority campaigns; we will also be ratifying the GMC themes. The GMC delegates, including our students, talked about mental health, living below the living wage, and the environment.

Thank you to the GMC for giving our students an opportunity to participate.

ENGAGING WITH POLITICIANS

Some of our Citizenship students joined an engagement meeting between Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester and Greater Manchester Muslims, Muslim Organisations and Mosques discussing key issues. Saba and Habiba from Year 10 got to ask him about their studies being affected and about vaccinations.

The topics discussed included

1. TIERS Which tier should Greater Manchester be in, if any? What support is there for local businesses and charities from GMCA/LA?

2. VACCINES What is Greater Manchester’s vaccine roll out plan? Who will be prioritised for vaccines and when will vaccines start in GM? Which locations will be used for roll out? Does GMCA support or oppose Vaccine Passports i.e. ‘no vaccine, no entry’ policies into schools, restaurants, gyms?

3. CHALLENGING ANTI-ISLAM COMMENTS What is the GM strategy to tackle anti-Islam malicious propaganda, discriminatory policies and laws? When is there going to be an enquiry into Anti-Islam comments in politics?

WORKING TOGETHER What can Muslim organisations, Mosques and Muslims continue to do with the GMCA to keep us all safe and prosperous? What mutual support can we offer each other going forward?

It was a great discussion; thank you to the Mayor Andy Burnham and the facilitators for organising this meeting and engaging with our students too.

DUKE OF EDINBURGH 2020

Girls from years 10 and 11 participated in a very enjoyable navigation training session on Thursday 12th November around the local vicinity. It was a glorious autumnal day – the sun was shining, and girls felt the benefits of receiving a once in a lifetime experience with their peers.

The girls received regular input from instructors at designated checkpoints, in preparation for their final, assessed Expedition. Girls were instructed on erecting a tent, which they then had to do as a group. Additionally, they received training in the use of Trangias.

The actual Expedition took place on two consecutive days the following week. Girls had to work in their groups to fulfil the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award Expedition requirements. Every group worked well as a team. They had to navigate the planned route each day, erect tents and plan and cook a hot meal, using the Trangias. In light of the very difficult and challenging constraints that Covid 19 has placed upon the world, all girls that participated in this year’s D of E Bronze Award Expedition section have demonstrated the utmost enthusiasm and resilience. They may not have been to The Peak District on an overnight residential, but they have all gained the invaluable life skills that D of E provides - including teamwork, co-operation, problem solving and challenge.

Completing the D of E Bronze Award is highly regarded by employers and colleges alike. To complete this under such difficult circumstances is something that I believe will be highly regarded by everyone – parents, teachers, colleges, employers and the Duke of Edinburgh organisation itself.

My Duke of Edinburgh experience was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I am glad that I went on the Expedition. I learnt some new skills, (for example: navigation; setting up a tent; and cooking outdoors), that will definitely benefit my future. The instructors and teachers that accompanied us were very helpful and I am really grateful for that. Ten gold stars! My friends and I definitely learnt how to work well together, which will help me for most aspects in my life. The weather forced us to work as a team, which was also great. Sara Mansoor 10 Salsabeel

Duke of Edinburgh gave me the opportunity to prove that I am able to be independent and work with a team to problem solve. It also gave me the chance to relax at a very stressful time. Miriam Benhamida 11 Afnan

I thoroughly enjoyed this experience despite the harsh weather conditions on the second day and getting lost etc. It helped me develop navigation and teamwork skills and also made me less scared of dogs! Overall, it was an enjoyable, enlightening trip. Sofia Murium

WINTER CAMPAIGN FOR THE ELDERLY

Our students got involved in a community winter initiative and made hampers and gift packs as well as the food packs for the local elderly in Didsbury, who are isolated and living alone during these times. Students wrote heart felt messages and took the lead on compiling the hampers. We are proud of them. One student with her mum, who is a volunteer at the mosque, got to deliver them to people, along with some hot food alhamdulilah Thank you to Didsbury Mosque for giving our students an opportunity to get involved in their community project.

POSTCARDS TO THE ELDERLY

We received a beautiful letter from a care home in Nottingham. It was lovely to hear from the residents and our students were thrilled to have a letter back. They are excited to write more post cards. Thank you to Gedling Village Care Home.

FEEDING THE HOMELESS

A lovely message from the Oldham homeless shelter in response:

One of our students in Year 7 delivered winter packs to a local homeless shelter with her mum. She took the initiative and led the whole project; herself and cooked all the meals. We are proud of you for doing such a great project may you and your mum be rewarded immensely.

POSTCARDS TO THE ELDERLY

Students remembered the elderly at the beginning of the term, after returning from lock down, and reflected on how they would have spent lock down. They wrote postcards to an elderly home to share their own experience of lock down, and what new hobbies they have been doing, as well as asking how the elderly were and sending a message of love and kindness to them. Year 7 wrote about their first week in school and asked the elderly to share memories of their school days.

Our students wrote cards to Terry who is living with a terminal Illness to cheer him up and he was really happy to receive them, and sent in chocolates and a card for the students. The students were happy to bring a smile to his face. Thank you for the chocolates Terry!

One of our teachers is looking after an elderly man who has developed depression because of his health conditions and she asked if our students could make cards for him to give to him over many weeks to make him smile and have hope in the world again He is currently shielding and going through various health issues and in true MIGSG style the girls wanted to bring a smile to his face, preparing lots of cards for him. He loves Man United, crosswords and reading books on cowboys and westerns, hence the theme on these cards. We hope they bought a smile to his face.

OLDER PERSON’S DAY

The Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) said: Allah will in turn send him someone who will be kind to him when he becomes old, so, if you respect the elderly now, Allah will guide the young people to respect you when become older, Insha’Allah. When you show respect to others, Allah loves you, and all His creation loves you too.

For Older Person’s Day on 1st October 2020, some students were asked to make cards for their grandparents to post here in the UK or abroad. The students wrote heartfelt messages and duas for their grandparents; we hope they all liked their granddaughters cards.

MIGSG FOOD BANK APPEAL

MIGSG annually get involved in providing for local food banks. Now more than ever it’s shocking the number of people in need of food banks, even people we know in our own circles. The students, parents and staff really got behind this campaign. We collected two full car loads of non-perishable food items, including £200 in money for the foodbank. The donation was for a local organisation, Myriad Foundation, that does various outreach work as well as well as running this food bank. They spoke highly of the school’s support for their work.

SCHOOL GARDEN –PLANTING

Some Year 7 students got an opportunity to leave their mark on the school garden, by planting onion bulbs and a pot of flowers each, including violas and wallflowers. The students really enjoyed doing something different and fun in this covid restricted world, and one commented on how satisfying it was too. Hopefully they get to see the flowers grow during their own journeys at MIGSG. Thanks to Mr Lopez for helping our budding horticulturists!

MASK MAKING

Now that mask wearing has become the new normal, students have been showcasing their individuality through their masks, and we gave them an opportunity to jazz their masks up by making personalised elastic bands, to make it easier for them students to wear their masks over their hijabs. The students enjoyed personalising their masks, and there were some very creative designs.

AMERICAN ELECTIONS

Our students in the GCSE citizenship group followed the US elections in November, and learnt about the electoral system in America. We would normally have run a mock election in school, but instead students debated and learnt about the different parties in America and made comparisons with the electoral system in the UK

NATIONAL FITNESS DAY

On National Fitness Day our students spent the day doing fitness tests and activities in their PE lessons. Students enjoyed encouraging each other through the different fitness activities too.

EUROPEAN LANGUAGE DAY

It was European Language Day on 28th September and to celebrate, the French department prepared an assembly for the whole school on the different languages in Europe that students could learn. To celebrate the diversity in our schools, students shared a second language they speak at home. We are proud of the diversity of languages our school represents.

NATIONAL STRESS AWARENESS DAY

It was National Stress Awareness Day on Wednesday 4th November and we gave students a green wrist band; they had to write a positive message for themselves on it and wear it around school all day. They also attended a virtual assembly delivered by Mrs Malek Jr on managing stress and keeping positive during lock down. It was really interesting to see what the students wrote to keep themselves positive, with examples ranging from ‘protons’ to ‘never give up’ to ‘eating delicious food to keep the stress levels down.’

SALAH UL GHAIB DUAS TO A LOST MIGSG PTFA MEMBER

Staff and students prayed Salah ul ghaib (absentee funeral prayer) for Sister Assia. We were saddened to hear she had passed away. She was an ex-parent of the school, and a very active member of the school PTFA, as well as participating/ taking the lead in countless projects in the community. This was a good opportunity for students to learn about the prayer but also pray for an important person in the Muslim community. Inna lilahi wa ina alayhi rajioon May Allah(swt) elevate her status and grant her a place in jannatul firdous

JUMMAH SALAH IN SCHOOL

We have had regular Jummah Salah in school this year. Our new member of staff, Mr Mohamed, who has joined the IT department, delivered the khutbah on virtues of Muharram and led the Salah. The other bubbles read Duhr Salah and had time to read some Quran whilst Jummah Salah is prayed. Students in their bubbles will have had an opportunity to pray Jummah Salah at least twice a month. They have been bringing in their own prayer mats and wearing masks during the salah.

ISLAMOPHOBIA AWARENESS MONTH

November was Islamophobia awareness month, and with the world we live in today, we as a school not only develop strong independent and proud young British Muslim women, but we ensure they are aware of the trials and tribulations of modern society. One of these is the increased cases of islamophobia in society today. To raise awareness of islamophobia students drew hands as a stop islamophobia sign, but also wrote down more than being a Muslim, they are a daughter, a student, a sister, a friend, a human being and a member of society!

QURAN TIME

With the additional time available during Salah to ensure student bubbles don’t mix, we have introduced more Quran reading to develop Quran recitation and memorisation. Students have an additional 45 minutes in the day for 15 minutes of personal quran recitation, 15 minutes to collective recitation as a class and 15 mins of memorising the surahs they have been allocated. Students also get an opportunity to look at the messages in the verses, one important verse; in the Quran they discussed is where you are not allowed to even say “uff” to your parents and how you should look after your parents. This has given staff and students time in the day to stop and reflect on the words of Allah. May each letter recited be accepted as reward for them, Insha’Allah.

Anti-bullying week was 16th Nov -20th Nov students have been participating in different form daily activities where students made pledges to stand up to any bulling, and looking at the different types of bullying from cyber bullying to bullying in person. Students also got to wear odd socks for the day too.

For anti-bullying week students have been writing pledges on how they would show kindness to others and to look out for one another.

The pledges included statements ensuring that they are there for one another, to comfort each other and be nice to each other and also to give chocolates to each other.

This year’s Anti-Bullying Theme was ‘United Against BULLYING WEEK Bullying’.

The week was launched through a whole school assembly delivered virtually by 11 Afnan.

During form time, girls participated in a variety of activities including completing questionnaires, watching videos, role play scenarios and wearing odd socks.

Pupils were also asked to design Anti-Bullying posters. There were lots of entries into this competition, especially from KS3 girls, many of which were outstanding.

Winners and runners up received sports vouchers for Decathlon, with girls that provided very good entries also being rewarded.

Year 7

1st Place Maryam Chowdhry = 2nd place Serine Huddara Ghazal Tahan Year 8

1st place Ayesha Malik 2nd place Aqsa Ahmed

Year 9

1st place Raghad Kashkash 2nd place Fatimah Noor-Naveed

Runners Up

Salsabil Tolba Year 7 Amber Aslam Year 7 Zainab Javed Year 7 Fatima Chaudhary Year 7 Aya Balal Year 7 Faridah Iquyajesin Year 7 Areeba Batool Year 8 Faizah Younus Year 8 Misbah Chowdhry Year 8 Muskaan Shahid Year 9 Iman Mehmood Year 9 Maraim Saik Year 10

PSHEE (Personal, Social, Health, and Economic Education) are important lessons students have as part of the curriculum to enhance their knowledge of the world. At MIGSG these take place over six days of drop down lessons. Covid restrictions this term meant that we were not able to invite guests into school, as we normally would. This term we have had two of these days. On Wednesday 21ST October students had sessions on the following topics: Homelessness The art of mask wearing Worries Friendships Being a role model Smart study skills Exam stress Charity Week Personal Hygiene

MONDAY 14TH DECEMBER 2020

The following sessions were covered: Winter Ibadah My unique mark Vegetarianism Mobile phones Being selfless Resilience END OF TERM AWARDS

On the last day of the autumn term, we held our usual awards assembly, but this time with a difference. Whereas we would normally assemble the whole school together in the hall, this time, because of the Covid-19 restrictions, the assembly was virtual. Students remained in their classrooms and watched the proceedings on screen, with the lucky winners coming to collect their prizes later. Some prizes for Year 11 are yet to be decided, as they were unfortunately self-isolating when calculations were made. We will keep the rewards of any winners who were absent on the day safe until they are able to pick them up on their return to school.

As usual, awards were presented in the following categories: FORM AWARDS: Highest total of merits in Year 7: 7 Taqwa Highest total of merits in Years 8 and 9: 8 Rayaan Highest total of merits in Years 10 and 11: 10 Jenan ….cont’d on next page

END OF TERM AWARDS

Lowest total of demerits in Year 7: 7 Firdous Lowest total of demerits in Years 8 and 9: 8 Rayyan Lowest total of demerits in Years 10 and 11: To be confirmed

Individual student awards: STUDENTS RECEIVING NO WARNINGS ALL TERM Sana Abdah 7 Firdous Hafsa Ali 9 Hasanah Fatima Igal 7 Firdous Raghad Kashkash 9 Hasanah Firdaws Ikuyajesin 7 Firdous Aula Omer 9 Hasanah Jude Benhamida 7 Taqwa Alina Ahmed 10 Jenan Rida Bilal 7 Taqwa Habiba Abdulgawad 10 Jenan Faridah Ikuyajesin 7 Taqwa Sumaiya Anjum 10 Jenan Amire Ige 7 Taqwa Abeeha Bilal 10 Jenan Amina Iqbal 9 Barakah Khadijah Chowdhury 10 Jenan Iman Mahmood 9 Barakah Abeeha Imran 10 Jenan Saba Pasha 10 Jenan THE STUDENT WITH HIGHEST MERITS IN THE FORM Sana Abdah 7 Firdous Azimat Durojaye 9 Barakah Jude Benhamida 7 Taqwa Muskaan Shahid 9 Hasanah Aliyah Ashraf 8 Rayaan Sarah Elazabi 10 Jenan Aqsa Ahmed 8 Zamzam Safiyah Newby 10 Salsabeel

HEAD OF YEAR AWARDS Each term Heads of Year, in discussion with Form Tutors, select one student who has particularly impressed for whatever reason, for a very special award. Heads of Year give great consideration to this prestigious award, and always find it difficult to select just one student when so many have proved worthy of praise in different ways.

Year 7 Shofia Hammed - Well done on a great start to life at MIGSG! You play an active part in supporting and helping other students; you do this with a warm heart, kindness and thoughtfulness. You have good intentions which you follow through in your responsibilities during form time, always with a happy and welcoming smile! You are always helpful and very responsible. A great start to life at MIHSG!

Year 8 Maariya Abdur-Rahim - Well done, Maariya! You have really helped the new students to settle in and have a very positive attitude to your work and towards others. Keep up the good work!

Year 9 Sundus Abushaban - You have received this award in recognition of your kindness. You work with every member of your year group and you are always willing to give a helping hand. Well done, and keep up the good work!

Year 10 Abeeha Imran - Well done, Abeeha! You have really impressed me with your attitude to learning, your friendliness to peers and your helpful nature and willing participation in school initiatives. A credit to Year 10!

As well as the pastoral awards mentioned above, this term students also received awards distributed by Miss Towe for their efforts in the recent Anti-Bullying poster competition. There were so many excellent entries that deciding the winners was a difficult task for our art teacher, Ms Hockwart. Many congratulations to the lucky winners.

SAFEGUARDING

I would like to congratulate the students for their continued attendance during the autumn term which has been very different during the Tier 3 restrictions. Online live sessions were well attended by those asked to self-isolate during this term and students have adapted well to these enforced periods at home. May I remind parents that it is essential that the school is kept informed of any students who are self-isolating due to coming into contact with anyone who has tested positive and especially if the student herself has tested positive. Please note that, you should contact the attendance officer on 07707564886 if your daughter tests positive (out of school hours (e.g. at the weekend)), so that we can effectively arrange for self-isolation of any of their peers should this be required.

Please note that school will not be authorising any term time holidays this year, except in an absolute emergency, such as bereavement, as students have missed so much of their face to face education over the past nine months due to Covid 19. In the event of an emergency necessitating absence from school, please ensure that the correct procedure for requesting leave of absence is followed, to avoid any avoidable fines. (Please refer to the booklet ‘Essential Information for Parents’ before booking if you are unsure.) During Covid restrictions it is also important to take into consideration the 2 weeks quarantine period when requesting a holiday.

We would also like to take this opportunity to remind you that non-emergency dental and medical appointments should be made outside of school hours where possible and in the middle of the day when not possible to ensure attendance at both registrations.

Notifying an absence: We would appreciate it if you could phone the school office before 10am each day your daughter is absent, to inform the school of the reason for absence. If your daughter is absent for more than one day, please phone on every day of absence, not just the first. Alternatively you can email the attendance officer on [email protected]. If you do not contact the school you will be contacted via text message on the first day and by phone on each subsequent day. If we cannot get a response from you, your daughter will be given an unauthorised absence which is subject to a £50 fine per day (per student) payable before return.

ENTRANCE EXAMS

There are opportunities available at FORTHCOMING DATES MIGSG for parents to apply for a place Spring Term Begins Tuesday 5th January 2021 for their daughter. Please contact the school admin office for further

information and details regarding School closes for Half term Friday 12th February 2021 taking an entrance exam. School re-opens Monday 22nd February 2021

Please contact: End of Spring Term Thursday 1st April 2021 [email protected] / 0161 881 2127 School re-opens Tuesday 20th April 2021 Alternatively, there is information regarding the entrance exam available DUE TO COVID RESTRICTIONS ANY DATES FOR PARENTS on the school website at EVENINGS ETC WILL BE CONFIRMED NEARER THE TIME www.migsg.miet.uk

Please do inform your family and THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT friends.

Hartley Hall - Alexandra Road South - Manchester - M16 8NH 0161 860 7575

55 High Lane - Chorlton - Manchester - M21 9FA 0161 881 2127

Hartley Hall - Alexandra Road South - Manchester - M16 8NH 0161 860 7676

551 Wilmslow Road - Withington - Manchester - M20 4BA 0161 445 5452